Frequently asked questions about the laptop requirement:

1) Why is the college implementing a laptop requirement?

Computer technology has become a critical and integral component of education coursework.  Teacher certification candidates in the Teacher Education Division (TED) use laptops to develop their portfolios, to create multi-media projects to demonstrate knowledge, to create and listen to audio and visual files, and to participate in group projects using collaborative tools.  Students in the Kinesiology, Health and Sport Studies (KHS) division will need laptops for specific course requirements.  Further, academic advising at scheduled times in online chatrooms is now being utilized by the college.

2) When will the laptop requirement start?

For initial teacher certification candidates, it begins Fall, 2007.  Students enrolled in TED 2250 and 2251 that semester will be required to purchase a college-specified laptop computer before classes begin in the fall semester.  Beginning Fall, 2008 all pre-service student teachers (TED 3350, TED 5150 & TED 5160) will be required to have the college-specified laptop before classes begin. KHS students will also have a laptop requirement beginning Fall 2007. The specific KHS courses are being determined.

3) What is the benefit to me?

By using computer and other technologies to progress successfully through their own academic programs, prospective teachers learn how to use technology as a tool for teaching and learning, skills that are critical to effective teaching in classrooms today. A teacher who possesses innovative technology knowledge and skills for classroom application is an attractive employment candidate.

4) What if I already own a laptop?

The laptop program is being phased in beginning Fall 2007.  Students who will be taking TED 2250 and TED 2251 who want to purchase a laptop before registering for these courses are asked to select the college-required laptop configuration. We are notifying students of this requirement now so that they will have ample opportunity to make the correct purchase. However, for the first year of the program ONLY, the college will use professional discretion in deciding whether to accept a laptop already owned by a student, based on whether an alternative laptop meets the basic required configuration. Because there is no guarantee a waiver will be granted for a previously-purchased laptop, if you do not yet own a laptop we strongly encourage you to purchase one that meets the required configuration.

5) How can I get financial aid to help with tuition and my laptop purchase?

Student enrolled in TED 2250 and TED 2251 who are eligible for financial aid can apply for additional funds towards the purchase of the college-required laptop at http://www.financialaid.wayne.edu. Students not enrolled in these classes can seek financial support through student loans (through the university’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid) or through College of Education scholarships (http://www.coe.wayne.edu). (Please note that the application deadline for the latter for the 2007-08 academic year is November 17, 2006.) While some scholarships are for tuition only, many are available for other educational expenses. That means that after your tuition balance has been paid, any remaining scholarship monies are refunded to the student in the form of a check. These funds could be used for the purchase of a college specified laptop.

6) Where do I purchase my laptop?

Students can purchase their laptop directly from Apple Computer, Inc. either online (http://store.apple.com/ -- click on the Education links under “More Stores”) or by showing their OneCard at any Apple store. Purchases made directly through Apple will receive Wayne State University’s educational discount.

7) Where can I get discounted software?

The Software Clearinghouse (http://clearinghouse.wayne.edu) offers certain software applications at discounts for Wayne State students. Visit their website for information on pricing and how to purchase software. Academic Superstore (www.academicsuperstore.com) and Journey Ed (www.journeyed.com) also offer student discounts on software.

8) How should I configure my laptop?

Information on minimum required hardware configuration, recommended peripherals, and software is available on the college laptop requirement website (http://www.coe.wayne.edu/laptops)

9) How do I get support in using my laptop?

The college’s Education Technology Center (ETC) will hold orientation workshops and other hardware and software workshops throughout the year. A schedule of workshops is available at http://www.coe.wayne.edu/laptops. The college’s subscription to Atomic Learning (www.atomiclearning.com) gives you access to several online tutorials for using a Mac. Apple also provides training through its stores.

10) Where do I go if I have more questions?

The college’s Education Technology Center is the place to get answers to questions concerning the laptop requirement. See Dr. Mary Waker or Ms. Donna Carroll in Room 114 Education or send an email to COELaptops@wayne.edu.

Last updated: Tuesday, August 28, 2007